California is full of nature and beauty. If you're looking for a natural thrill in the outdoors, then Northern California is ideal! Northern California is known as one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and it's worth a visit. Let's take a look at some tragically overlooked state parks to visit around San Francisco and beyond! Make sure to check for weather conditions and park hours before embarking upon these adventures. Let's go!
1. Angel Island State Park
Angel Island is a hidden gem in the midst of the urban Bay Area. Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, offers some of the best views of the surrounding Bay Area and incredible coastal hikes.
2. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Another overlooked gem! This state park offers lots of nice, forested hikes with towering Redwoods. It will take about 1.5 hours from the city, so give yourself time. In the end, the redwoods and majestic mushroom growth will wow you! A visit to Big Basin Redwoods State Park is truly unforgettable.
3. Butano State Park
A short drive outside the city gives you a wonderful state park full of surprises. Explore the "Little Butano" trail and enjoy streams, banana slugs, wild mushrooms, newts, ferns, and more! Butano State Park is one of those hidden gems you'll love forever after you visit the first time.
4. Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Enjoy this park for a variety of reasons. You'll see waves crashing at the start of the trail all the way down to the beach. There will be spectacular views of Monterey in the distance along the hiking trails. Fort Ord Dunes State Park
5. Salt Point State Park
Enjoy the odd shaped rocks and dreamy atmosphere here. This state park is along the ocean! Also, there are a lot of pretty wildflowers, native animals, and photo opportunities waiting at Salt Point State Park. Might wanna go ASAP!
6. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park
Everyone goes to the Redwoods, but instead check out the calm, majestic beauty of this Grove at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park. This park is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that makes California so grand.
7. Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park is open and waiting for would be hikers and nature lovers! The park features the beauty of the redwoods, the rugged coast, and the cultural history of limekilns.
8. Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
The most unique and eclectic state park in California, the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, is more historic than anything else, but still worth exploring. Visit a mansion run by the Department of Parks & Recreation. Also, enjoy a guided tour and walk around the grounds. Check out the state capital too!
9. Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is located on Highway 1 about seven miles south of Carmel. You'll be able to enjoy some coastal views along with dense coast redwood groves. It's one of the best ways to discover the wonders of Northern California without roaming too far away from home.
10. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park is often tragically overlooked because of all the beauty nearby in Carmel, Big Sur, and more. This is an undeveloped coastal trail system that is ideal for true nature lovers and is still a work in progress. Check it out!
Have you been to any of these parks? Let us know about your experience at these beautiful spots. Share this story too! If you're interested in nature, check out The Newest State Park Near San Francisco And It’s Incredible.
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